All of God’s children have been created in God’s own image. It is hard to fathom, isn’t it? One thing we do know about God is that He is perfectly free. So, He created us perfectly free, free to follow Him and free to deny Him. We have this choice. Our decision, however, has eternal consequences. It is the biggest decision of our life.

Most, if not all of you, want the final elevator ride to go up, not down. How we live here on this earth determines our eternal destination, up or down, heaven or hell. And, yes, hell is real.

God has given us rules to follow in order to be admitted into his heavenly home.Just like rules you may have for people to enter your home, maybe you do not allow smoking or profane language in your home. God, too, has rules, the Ten Commandments.

We are Catholic. We are called to obey his rules, not to change them, adapt them, or ignore them. The Ten Commandments are rules for us to follow here on earth and the Beatitudes are the foundation for building a home in heaven. Obedience to the Ten Commandments and living according to the Beatitudes are the Lord’s request of all of His people.

Ponder: Why did God give us the ten commandments? Does our culture embrace them and live them?

Reflect: Sacred Scripture, Mk 10:17-27; Mt. 5:3-10

Pray: Lord, help me to follow the rules you have given us from the beginning. When I fall, please give me the courage to get up and follow you once again. Thank you for being a merciful God.